[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 121 (Thursday, July 18, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S4943]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO COLONEL DOUGLAS B. GUTTORMSEN

 Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, today, I would like to recognize 
COL Douglas B. Guttormsen on the occasion of his retirement from the 
Kansas City District Commander for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He 
has diligently served in this role for 3 years.
  After earning degrees from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, 
the University of Missouri at Rolla, the National Defense University, 
and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Colonel Guttormsen 
went on to lead engineering battalions across the United States and 
around the world. In addition to these assignments, he served in combat 
operations in Iraq and the Republic of Korea.
  As commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City 
District, Colonel Guttormsen has overseen many military and civil works 
projects throughout the district. From directing construction projects 
at the region's military installations to ensuring the levees and dams 
are structurally sound, Colonel Guttormsen has demonstrated able and 
consistent leadership.
  Although his resume boasts many accomplishments, Colonel Guttormsen's 
work leading the emergency operations center, which plays a vital role 
in responding to natural disasters whenever and wherever they may 
occur, is most impressive.
  This spring, when facing extensive rainfall and severe flooding, he 
and the entire Kansas City District staff worked around the clock to 
respond to levee breaches and assist affected communities. Colonel 
Guttormsen also participated in the Missouri River Flood Forum that 
Congressman Steve Watkins and I hosted in May, where we saw the 
extensive flooding at the 4-State Lookout Point in Kansas and then 
spoke alongside the Department of Agriculture and answered questions 
from community members.
  Colonel Guttormsen is a true professional and has exhibited 
remarkable leadership during his time as the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers Kansas City District commander. I trust my fellow members 
will join me in congratulating him and wishing him well in the days to 
come.

                          ____________________